Droylsden 2 Redditch United 2: A RESILIENT display from Redditch earned them a deserved share of the spoils as Gary Whild’s team twice forced the hosts to come from behind.

However, bold substitutions from the home side, to go 3-4-3 at the end, almost won the game for the Bloods, but Redditch held out.

The first chance fell to the home side but Kevin Townson’s cross for the unmarked Matthew Tipton was inches too high before Redditch snatched the lead on 19 minutes.

A free kick on the left flank was floated into the box, and Lee Ayres appeared from a crowd of players to slot home.

A Townson shot was blocked and a Neil Prince effort proved to be too high as Droylsden fought to get back on terms, but Redditch then looked to add to their lead.

Firstly, former Blood Liam Murray scooped a volley over the bar from just inside the box, before Kyle Clancy had to hold a deflected Lee Downes shot.

Clancy again saved from Foley, before Jamie McGuire landed a header on top of the Redditch goal as the visitors led at half-time.

No sooner than five minutes after the restart and Droylsden were level as Mike Byron was quickest to react once Neil Prince’s shot was blocked to steer home at full stretch from 10 yards.

Townson then curled an effort wide for the hosts but Redditch then restored their lead when Aman Verma rose highest to head Owen Story’s cross past Clancy.

Bloods’ substitute Ashley Burbeary went close, but it was fellow replacement Domaine Rouse who went one better to level matters on 73 minutes when his left-footed shot beat Danny Lewis.

The home side went all out for the winner, but the best remaining chance fell to Sam Fole, who fluffed his lines when unmarked at the far post from a Redditch free kick, and so the honours finished even.

Attendance: 339

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